But nearly 18 months later, the hotel's outreach programs benefit the community, and its lush surroundings attract the upper crust of Cupertino—and the various celebrities traveling through town.

And much to the delight of nearby residents, the Cypress has also continued an area tradition by placing a lighted Christmas tree on its roof, the highest point in the city.

"These guys have earned our loyalty," says city Councilman Richard Lowenthal. "They have a very holistic view of doing business—if they help the community, it'll pay them back in the end." He says the Cypress Hotel and its general manager, Lisa Kershner, are very forthcoming with donations to area charities. "They just need to be asked," Lowenthal says.

Kershner says the hotel's outreach policy stems from its parent group, Klimpton Boutique Hotels. "We believe we can roll up our sleeves and help," she says. "We do this to effect change in a positive way and become part of the process."

The Cypress Hotel has twice hosted gala benefits for the Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation and donated room packages and other prizes for auction. Lowenthal estimates that at a recent event, the Cypress raised $10,000 of the entire $55,000 take by itself. The hotel has also donated to events like Oktoberfest and the Cupertino Community Services barbecue, and Kershner is heavily involved with the Chamber of Commerce.

"I am an active board member because I strongly want to improve the city's business climate. I find Cupertino is often overlooked in the Silicon Valley and it shouldn't be," she says. The Cypress Hotel follows this tenet by elevating nearby businesses. Jody Hansen, CEO of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, says that the Cypress Hotel, among other activities, plans to pitch in with revitalizing Vallco Fashion Park. "They don't just want to be an island unto themselves," Hansen says.

Lowenthal says the Cypress Hotel is also helping the city council attract new business. This collaborative environment was one of the main reasons the Klimpton group chose Cupertino. "Our chain of hotels has never had a presence in the South Bay, and it was natural to open in Cupertino," Kershner says. "The city was very welcoming. If it weren't for the city council, we wouldn't be here. Those relationships mean a lot to us."

Additionally, the plans for the new Cupertino City Park involve free wireless Internet access—to be provided by the Cypress Hotel. "They're doing it to make that a more interesting corner," Lowenthal says. "When the park is done, people will see it as a real plus for the community."

The community is already coming around to the benefits of the hotel. "We brought a new flavor into Cupertino. We're the first full-service hotel," Kershner says. Lowenthal says mixers and other events have brought the "movers and shakers" in Cupertino in and made both the Cypress and the hotel's restaurant, Helios, into meeting places.

But the reputation of the Cypress preceded even its opening—its very first guests on July 2, 2002, were the members of the local band Smashmouth, who were playing at Discovery Meadow in downtown San Jose. The members of Smashmouth were the first of many musicians and celebrities, including Jerry Seinfeld, Willie Nelson and David Copperfield, who have toured their way through the South Bay and chosen the Cypress over similar accommodations in San Jose or elsewhere.

This status is not something the Cypress sought. "It happened entirely by accident," Kershner says. "They found us first, and it just spread by word of mouth." Those big bank accounts certainly don't hurt the city of Cupertino, whose three other hotels are struggling due to the economy. "Without [the Cypress], our tax revenue would be severely down," Lowenthal says. "They're good neighbors."

According to Hansen, the mere presence of the Cypress Hotel elevates the business community. "They've made a difference simply by providing a venue that showcases Cupertino," she says.